OSF HealthCare has launched OSF Innovation, a new initiative to lead the way in transforming health care. The announcement took place at Discovery by Design: An OSF Innovation Event where leaders from companies around the U.S. spoke about the importance of innovation and human-centered design in health care.

A common message from speakers was that health care organizations launching innovation programs must be willing to step outside of their comfort zones, prototype new ideas and learn from failed designs to meet the needs of patients.

“Prototyping new solutions can help health care organizations learn what's worth carrying to a larger scale,” said Natalie Nixon, Ph.D, Associate Professor, consultant and Director of Design at Philadelphia University. “Continued failure can make the testing process seem abysmal, but learning from those failures and pushing forward could lead to the solution you’ve been looking for.”

Nixon was among a number of leaders in innovation speaking at Discovery by Design. Others came from Mayo Clinic, Pfizer, Doblin Group, IIT Institute of Design, PLUG and PLAY and OSF. Ten technology and device companies also showcased their creative innovations to solve health care problems to attendees.

The goal of the Discovery by Design event was to educate leaders across OSF and the communities served about the OSF Innovation strategy, and begin the process of building a culture where employees feel they have the ability and opportunity for change to benefit patients and their own co-workers.

“It’s important to know that making this transition is not a matter to be handled solely by leadership. The alliance of each Mission Partner and our community collaborators is essential to making the journey ahead a successful endeavor,” said Michelle Conger, Chief Strategy Officer for OSF HealthCare.

The strategy aims to employ a variety of approaches to innovation such as improving processes and functions to serve patients; mentoring, networking and partnering with external companies working on solutions to health care problems; and improving outcomes and lower costs through innovative medical training.

OSF has maintained its Mission of serving persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life for nearly 140 years. It is hoped the new Innovation strategy will ensure OSF will be relevant for decades to come.